Literary
METEYARD
(Eliza, 1816-1879, Writer, Journalist, Essayist and Authority on Wedgwood Pottery and its Creator)
Fine Long Autograph Letter Signed to Lady Drysdale
telling her that she had accomplished my small journey on Friday - both pleasantly and safely - and found my little home bright and cheerful. My poor invalid was however not so well - and had been failing again - for some days previously so that had I remained your guest a little longer - the chance is I should have been sent for. She is but the mere shadow of a shade - no flesh on any of her bones - and our good surgeon has now had her back plaistered [sic] to give it strength and keep the bones from protruding. She however still comes down stairs - though I must shortly house her upstairs like the frailest of hot-house plants. She has already worn your charming gift and highly prizes it. She thanks you heartily... I do not feel very well myself this morning. This plunge into business and care suits me rather ill after a month's laziness. I hope Dr Lane has returned and is better for his little respite. Present my best love to Mrs Lane... I thank her for all her courtesies - as I do you my dear Lady Drysdale... I met Mr Howitt on Saturday at the London Library. He said all were well at Esher..., 4 sides 8vo., Wildwood, Hampstead, 12th October
Item Date: 1868
£150
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Background
Eliza Meteyard had completed her major work, the two volume 'Life of Josiah Wedgewood', in 1866, a couple of years before this letter. She was, by that date, already established as a popular and successful novelist and frequent contributor to journals, such as Dickens's 'Household Words'. In the years that followed, she published a series of books for children but she was in declining health and her last years were spent in receipt of a Civil List pension, which had been the subject of a much publicised campaign by Samuel Smiles and others. She brought forward proposals for female education, and was active in the Whittington Club - a social and debating club that uniquely gave full membership to lower-middle-class women of learning. For Howitt's Journal, started by William Howitt and Mary Howitt, Meteyard wrote fiction highlighting small-scale social reform. Her view of prostitution was based on research in police and prison reports.
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